Dr. Lesel Dawson from the University of Bristol advises that when supporting someone who is grieving, the most important thing is to stay present and let the grieving person share their feelings at their own pace. She highlights that avoiding grief or conversation about loss can cause long-term harm and that grief is a complex, non-linear process.
Key Facts
People often avoid reaching out to those grieving due to fear of saying the wrong thing.
Dr. Dawson says simply saying "I'm so sorry and I'm here" can be very helpful.
Grief should be expressed in each person’s own way and timing, without pressure.
Not dealing with grief can lead to ongoing emotional challenges.
Dawson’s understanding of grief was influenced by her sister’s stillbirth and her mother’s struggle with self-blame.
Many people feel uncomfortable talking about death despite wanting to discuss it.
Feelings of guilt and blame are common during bereavement and may cause harmful coping.
The Good Grief Festival, co-directed by Dawson, offers events to encourage open conversations about death and loss.
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Caroline Bailey had sharp stomach pains that she thought were caused by her contraceptive coil. Tests showed a large tumour pressing on the coil, and she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. After chemotherapy and surgery, she now has no signs of cancer.
Key Facts
Caroline Bailey, 54, experienced severe stomach pain starting in March 2023.
She believed her contraceptive coil was causing the pain and wanted it removed.
Scans revealed a 13cm tumour pressing against the coil.
She was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in June 2023.
A CA125 blood test showed elevated protein levels linked to ovarian cancer.
Caroline underwent chemotherapy that reduced the tumour size.
In October 2023, she had surgery to remove her womb, cervix, omentum, and appendix.
After surgery, no evidence of cancer was found, but ovarian cancer can be unpredictable and may return.
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Fifteen critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frogs were born at London Zoo, marking the first time this species has been bred in captivity. The frogs come from Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve, where their wild habitat is threatened by mining, and the breeding program aims to help conserve the species.
Key Facts
The Afia Birago's puddle frog lives in only two small pools in Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve.
Mining activities threaten these habitats.
Twenty adult frogs were brought to London Zoo in September 2025 to learn how to care for and breed them.
The newly born froglets are about 5 millimeters long, the size of a pencil tip.
This species was first discovered by scientists in 2018 and weighs less than 1.75 grams when fully grown.
London Zoo staff developed new breeding methods and are sharing this knowledge with conservationists in Ghana.
The goal is to increase the frog population in the wild through conservation efforts in Ghana.
The frog is named after Ghanaian conservationist Caleb Ofori-Boateng’s mother, Afia Birago.
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A company named Synetal Solutions promised healthcare job training and guaranteed sponsored jobs but did not deliver the jobs to several customers. People who paid thousands of pounds said the training was poor and that job offers never arrived, leaving them financially hurt. The company denies the main complaints and says it follows agreements, while some organizations said they have no connection to the company.
Key Facts
Synetal Solutions was registered in 2025 and offers training programs for healthcare and IT jobs.
Customers, including Apurv Patel, paid around £3,600 for training and promised job placements that never happened.
Patel reported poor-quality training and no job interviews or offers after eight months.
Citizens Advice in London has seen more scams like this since the government stopped overseas care worker recruitment.
Synetal Solutions disputes claims that their training and job offers are fake.
Emails from the company offered a "three-month recruitment programme" with training and sponsored job placement for £5,500.
The training platform iHasco confirmed Synetal Solutions is a customer but said its content is not allowed to be resold to individuals.
Some healthcare organizations listed on Synetal Solutions’ website said they are not connected to the company and did not approve use of their logos or certificates.
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Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant at the UK Treasury, died by suicide after a surprise disciplinary meeting where she faced anonymous allegations. A coroner found that the Treasury’s actions contributed to her death, and the department has since promised changes to protect employees in future meetings.
Key Facts
Chloe Moffat was called into an unexpected disciplinary meeting without notice or support allowed.
She was accused of leaking sensitive information, which she denied.
The Treasury’s handling of the meeting caused Chloe severe distress; she took her own life the next day.
A coroner ruled that the Treasury had “materially contributed” to her death.
The Treasury stopped informal disciplinary meetings for serious misconduct following the coroner’s report.
New rules now let staff bring a supporter to disciplinary meetings and require proper notice before such meetings.
Chloe’s family wants those responsible to be held accountable and for safer workplace practices to be enforced.
The Treasury is also hiring an occupational therapist to help staff wellbeing.
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UK households have paid nearly £14,000 more on average for mortgages, loans, energy, and water bills since 2021 due to rising inflation. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) urged Chancellor John Healey to take measures in the upcoming budget to help with the cost of living crisis.
Key Facts
UK households have spent an extra £13,961 on bills since 2021, about £2,792 more per year.
Rising inflation is linked to the pandemic exit and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Mortgages alone cost an average of £9,034 more since 2021, or about £1,806 extra yearly.
Consumer spending growth in the UK is the weakest among G7 countries since before the pandemic.
The Chancellor plans a budget on 28 October to help households but has limited resources.
There are calls to reduce energy bills, cut employer national insurance, and lower business costs.
Think tanks suggest raising taxes on wealth to fund support measures like capping rents and energy bills.
Inflation and higher interest rates have increased costs for both homeowners and renters.
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The BBC found 254 cases where the Israeli military said it was investigating killings or injuries caused in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Israel, but no public results were made available. Only 28 of these investigations had outcomes published, and the military often did not provide updates when asked.
Key Facts
BBC Verify used AI and manual checks to examine over 60,000 reports about harm caused by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the Gaza war began.
Of 300 investigated cases identified, only 28 had published results, and 18 were unclear if concluded.
The IDF said it treats all allegations seriously but provided limited information to the BBC.
The International Committee of the Red Cross recommends transparency in investigations of possible war law violations.
Most incidents (158) happened in Gaza, with others in the West Bank (48), Lebanon (32), and Israel or in IDF custody (16).
Some incidents date back to late 2023, including a strike in Gaza in August 2024 that killed at least 93 people including women and children.
The IDF sometimes labels probes as “looking into” or “reviewing” without further updates.
Some cases led to criminal investigations, including killings of civilians and Palestinian emergency workers.
The IDF's internal investigation system, called FFAM, reviewed about 150 cases and passed them to Military Prosecution, but did not detail results.
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Poland has transformed its economy since the Soviet era, growing rapidly to become one of the world's largest economies. The Varso Tower in Warsaw, now the tallest building in the EU, symbolizes Poland's economic progress beyond its communist past.
Key Facts
The Varso Tower in Warsaw is the tallest building in the European Union at 310 meters high.
Poland's income per person increased from 40% of the EU average in the mid-1990s to 81% by last year.
Poland’s national income passed $1 trillion last year, placing it among the top 20 largest economies worldwide.
The country transitioned from Soviet domination to democracy in 1990, aided by movements like Solidarność and support from Pope John Paul II.
Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, further boosting its economy.
Many Poles emigrated to work abroad after EU membership, but since Brexit, more Poles have returned home, and migration patterns in Europe have shifted.
Polish professionals who worked abroad, such as architects, are now returning to contribute to large projects like Warsaw’s new airport.
Poland’s economy growth reflects increased integration with Western countries and a shift from communism to a market-driven system.
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The global economy is facing many problems, such as regional wars, energy shocks, inflation, and trade conflicts between China and the US. Despite these challenges, growth has been better than expected so far, helped by factors like artificial intelligence investment, oil stockpiles, and cheap Chinese exports. However, risks remain high, and governments face tough decisions on spending and cooperation.
Key Facts
Two major regional wars are disrupting prices and supply chains worldwide.
Rising inflation is making it more expensive for governments to borrow money.
The US and China are in conflict over trade policies.
Growth has been stronger than usual despite historical challenges like oil shocks.
The US leads in AI investment, boosting its economic growth within the G7 group.
Countries used existing oil reserves to reduce the impact of supply loss from the Middle East.
Cheap Chinese goods are lowering import prices but threatening manufacturing jobs in countries like Germany.
Leaders warn that governments need to control spending and deficits despite voters wanting more support.
Global supply chains are fragile, making national self-sufficiency a growing focus.
International organizations like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank face challenges in promoting global cooperation.
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Cornell University faculty are discussing a no-confidence resolution against the school's leadership because of how it has handled sexual assault cases. A professor criticized the administration for creating a "culture of fear" that stops many victims from reporting assaults, including a recent high-profile case involving a fraternity.
Key Facts
Professor Paul Ortiz introduced a no-confidence resolution against Cornell’s leadership over sexual assault handling.
Ortiz said the university treats rape like a public relations issue, not a serious crime.
Many students have said they are afraid to report sexual assaults at Cornell.
The resolution states the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the administration’s ability to handle sexual assault issues.
The debate follows a 2024 incident where a student, Jane Doe, alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity.
Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the accused men and the university; no criminal charges have been filed yet.
An ongoing investigation by the New York attorney general is looking into the case.
Faculty debate was described as heated, with most speakers supporting the resolution.
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Since October 2023, Israeli forces have detained over 2,000 Palestinian children, with at least 350 currently held in difficult conditions. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society reports harsh treatment of these children, including cases of sickness and death in prison, and calls for international efforts to stop these practices.
Key Facts
More than 2,000 Palestinian children have been detained by Israeli forces since October 2023.
At least 350 Palestinian children remain in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions.
Israeli authorities arrested at least six children from Hebron recently.
Information about children detained in Gaza is unclear due to disappearances and restrictions.
Palestinian children face detention without formal charges or release dates.
Reports describe treatment including intimidation, torture, starvation, and lack of healthcare.
Some detained children have suffered serious health problems; one 15-year-old lost a leg, and another 17-year-old died in prison.
Several American children have also been detained by Israeli forces without charge.
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A 19-year-old in Illinois, Alexandros Paporakis, is charged for planning an attack on a Hindu temple. His rifle jammed during the alleged attempt, causing him to stop and say he would return after fixing the weapon. Police found weapons, body armor, and white supremacist materials in his home.
Key Facts
Alexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier, is accused of threatening a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
He tried to shoot during the attack, but his rifle jammed, and he stopped.
Paporakis communicated with a coworker about his weapon malfunction and plans to fix it.
The attack was planned over two years.
Coworkers reported his white supremacist beliefs and hatred toward Indian people.
Police found an AR-style rifle without a serial number, ammo, body armor, and extremist materials at his home.
Authorities also found a manifesto with racist language targeting South Asians, Jews, and Black people.
Paporakis was arrested as he left his home following the tip-off from coworkers.
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The UK will experience unusually warm temperatures up to 23°C (73°F) in parts of southern and eastern England this Thursday, caused by warm air coming from the south. However, cooler weather with lower temperatures, frost, and fog will move in from the north by the weekend, bringing a more typical autumn feel to the whole country.
Key Facts
Thursday’s high temperatures in southern and eastern England will be about 5-8°C (9-14°F) above normal for mid-October.
Northern and western UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, will have temperatures close to the average.
A weather front will bring rain to northern England, Wales, and parts of south-west England on Thursday.
Warm air is pushed by strong southerly winds due to a deep low-pressure system near Iceland.
Cooler air will spread southwards by Friday and continue through the weekend, lowering temperatures across the UK.
Daytime temperatures over the weekend will be closer to normal October levels, between 10-16°C (50-61°F).
Nights may be cold with frost and fog in some areas, and some locations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England could drop below freezing.
There is uncertainty about the weather next week, with possible wetter and windier conditions returning due to Atlantic weather systems.
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Indonesia is trying a new method to fight toxic smoke from fires by dropping dry ice over South Sumatra. The fires have burned almost 900,000 hectares this year, causing thick haze and health problems in Indonesia and nearby countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
Key Facts
Indonesia faces serious wildfires, the worst in over ten years, burning nearly 900,000 hectares since January.
The government previously used cloud seeding, water bombing, and army personnel to fight the fires.
Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, will be dropped from a plane over South Sumatra as a trial to reduce haze.
The fires and smoke haze have caused many respiratory illnesses and led to school closures in nearby countries.
Singapore and Malaysia see very poor air quality, ranking among the most polluted cities globally due to the haze.
Regional neighbors like Timor-Leste and the Philippines are also affected, with health warnings issued.
Experts say dry ice might only help locally and briefly, as wind keeps bringing smoke.
The air pollution index in parts of Indonesia has reached levels far above what is considered hazardous.
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Heavy rain caused flooding in the Anhangabau tunnel in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The flood trapped vehicles and people inside until rescue teams could arrive after the water went down.
Key Facts
Flooding happened in the Anhangabau tunnel in Sao Paulo.
Vehicles got stuck and piled up inside the tunnel.
People inside the tunnel were stranded by the floodwaters.
Rescue teams waited for the water to decrease before helping.
The flooding disrupted travel and safety in the area.
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An Australian woman has been charged with poisoning her colleague’s curry with snail poison. The victim noticed unusual green pellets and numbness in her tongue after tasting the curry, leading to a police investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Western Australia.
The victim is 58 years old and made the curry for coworkers.
The accused is a 43-year-old woman in a relationship with the victim.
The accused allegedly put snail poison pellets containing metaldehyde in the curry.
The victim noticed bright green granules and numbness in her tongue before reporting it.
Police tested the food and confirmed the presence of a toxic chemical.
The accused faces charges of endangering another person’s life or health.
She will appear in court on 5 November.
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The social media company X has suspended over 13,000 accounts linked to suspected foreign influence operations from Iran, Russia, and China. These accounts aimed to influence political discussions in the U.S. ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Key Facts
X suspended more than 13,000 accounts tied to foreign influence efforts from Iran, Russia, and China.
The accounts used fake profiles to share and boost political content targeting U.S. candidates and public figures.
The suspensions were part of X’s efforts to keep political discussions online authentic and safe before the midterms.
X has rules against false information about voting, voter suppression, and intimidation near polling places.
Users can report election-related posts using a “civic integrity” option to get additional context or alert the platform.
In urgent cases, X may label posts that break election rules to warn users.
OpenAI recently shut down two foreign influence operations that used AI to spread false information about Ukraine.
X previously suspended accounts linked to Iran in similar actions in 2021.
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Victoria will become the first Australian state to make abortion care free for everyone, regardless of who wins the upcoming election. Both the current Labor government and the opposition Coalition have promised to cover the costs of abortion services up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Key Facts
Victoria will provide free abortion care, including doctor visits, scans, tests, and medication up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
The Coalition agreed to match Labor’s promise to cover abortion costs shortly after it was announced.
Women in regional Victoria who must travel for abortion care will get help with travel and accommodation costs.
Labor wants to allow medical abortion up to 10 weeks and possibly review extending it to 12 weeks, but the Coalition does not support this.
Medical abortion is currently covered up to nine weeks by Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Abortion was decriminalised in Victoria in 2008; termination is allowed up to 24 weeks and later with two doctors’ approval.
Labor accuses One Nation of wanting to make abortion illegal, but the Coalition says it will not change abortion laws.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson said abortion is a personal choice and promised no changes to current laws if the Coalition wins.
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Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave from his party after complaints about inappropriate comments were made. An independent review is underway to look into the allegations, while Steele-John denies the claims and supports a fair investigation.
Key Facts
Seven members of the Greens party asked for an investigation into Steele-John’s behavior.
Steele-John rejects the accusations and wants a fair, independent review.
He has referred the matter to the Western Australian Greens for investigation.
The new Greens leader, David Shoebridge, accepted Steele-John’s request for leave.
Shoebridge emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all parties involved.
Steele-John stated that he has experienced family violence himself.
The investigation aims to follow principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
The Greens as a party take such complaints seriously and are conducting a formal process.
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Rotterdam, a Dutch city known for its modern style and diversity, has been printing poetry on its garbage trucks since 1988. This unique practice was recently given official cultural recognition by a Dutch organization that protects national traditions.
Key Facts
Since 1988, poems have been displayed on all waste collection trucks in Rotterdam.
The poetry project began during a local poetry festival to bring art into everyday city life.
The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage gave the poetry on bin lorries official cultural heritage status.
The initiative makes poetry accessible to everyone, not just those with formal education in culture.
Waste workers feel more connected to the city through the poems, with some even writing their own lines.
The program is seen as part of Rotterdam’s modern identity and cultural uniqueness.
The cultural heritage list documents over 400 Dutch traditions, including other unique customs like Pride Amsterdam and shepherding.
Some Dutch customs from this list have also been recognized internationally by UNESCO.
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